Republican presidential hopeful Senator John McCain recently returned from a diplomatic trip to the Middle East and Europe. Speaking to the World Affairs Council this week, he emphasized the need for greater diplomacy, saying “our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want, whenever we want…”
McCain’s words are a stark contrast to the diplomatic style of the Bush administration, which has been often seen as acting unilaterally and in an arrogant manner when dealing with other nations. Senator McCain seems to be drawing a clear contrast between his leadership style and that of George W. Bush.
Under the Bush administration, even many of America’s closest allies have felt alienated. Longtime allies (and NATO members) such as Norway, and Denmark saw their relationships strained with the US, and citizens in many countries held huge protests against the Iraq war, and against the overall foreign-policy of the Bush administration.
Even our neighbor to the north, Canada, began to see the United States as more of an adversary then an ally. All of these changes took place at a time when the US needed international support and cooperation more than ever. But with the Bush/Cheney era about to end, all three of the current presidential hopefuls are laying out plans to mend the frayed relationships with our allies.
Democratic senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have both blasted the Bush administration for its arrogant and shortsighted foreign-policy decisions, including the war in Iraq. But until recently, Senator Jon McCain has refused to speak out publicly against the foreign-policy of the Bush/Cheney administration. Senator McCain’s comments after returning from Europe and the Middle East showed that he clearly has a different foreign-policy agenda, and a different style of “getting things done in the world.”
Though McCain has been careful not to be overly critical of George W. Bush, he has acknowledged that the image of the United States around the world has been damaged by a war in Iraq, and other foreign-policy blunders of the last seven years.
McCain’s “diplomacy first” comments may not play well with the conservative base of the Republican Party. In fact, the right wing of the party hasn’t exactly warmed up to the idea of a McCain presidency so far, and many hard-core conservatives see McCain as far too “independent,” and too willing to break from the established Republican Party line for the sake of achieving his objectives.
Of course, many voters perceive this to be McCain’s greatest strength. He at least gives the appearance of a politician who is willing to put the good of the nation before the good of his party — something we could use a lot more of in this country.
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